There’s more to a garment than just its appearance. Nowadays, customers are focused on buying high quality outfits. Along with being aesthetically pleasing, the clothes you manufacture and sell must be comfortable, safe to use and meet performance and quality standards.

This is where testing plays a defining role. From materials to samples, fashion brands and designers test several different things during the apparel testing phase to ensure the final product fits customers’ expectations.

Testing 101

Answering the following questions during the testing phase will allow you to create high quality products that your target audience will love.

1. Who are your main customers? Determine their age, gender, occupation, etc.

2. How will your customers use your product?

3. How will your product be washed and maintained?

4. How long will it last?

Prototypes

To create a new product, you need to analyze prototypes. Prototypes should be evaluated during the apparel development phase. This helps identify and correct any flaws before they become costly problems.

As a rule, check the prototypes thoroughly to look for design inconsistencies, fitting issues or any other problem. All alterations should be applied at the time of sample making.

Materials

Next step, check the apparel material to make sure it meets the highest quality standards. Assess the fabric shrinkage, fade, coloration, grain and elasticity of the material.

There are a few things you need to keep in mind though. Firstly, every fabric has its own unique characteristics and qualities. Secondly, consult a fabric supplier for purchasing materials.

Hardware

From zippers and buttons to grommets and snaps, check all hardware to determine if it can sustain wear and tear and last for an extended time period.

Samples

Finally, after testing the materials and hardware, it is time to evaluate your samples.

Keep in mind, the amount of testing needed will depend on the product you want to sell. For example, if you’re selling luxury clothes, the testing phase will be more extensive than that of casual attire.

To get your manufacturing process started, get in touch with us.

Lefty Production Co. specializes in the design, development and production of apparel and accessories, including women’s wear, men’s wear, children’s wear, bridal wear, athletic wear, swimwear and bikini, lingerie, handbags and accessories.

The company’s services include fabric and trim sourcing, pattern making and sample making, marking and grading, cutting, sewing, finishing, grading, marketing and more.